Into
to the 20th Century
By
Jennifer
The
design and construction of architecture have reflected and met
the needs of culture. Twentieth century architecture was built
to meet the needs of an industrial nation full of commercial
buildings, factories, industrial complexes and high- rise structures.
Architects found themselves being virtually forced by modern
function to break free of ancient prototypes. The surge in architecture
during the 20th Century is unparalleled. American cities underwent
fantastic growth and development in less than a century. Steel
was brought into use for the first time, which created an incredibly
solid, rigid and strong structure. Buildings took on grid-like
appearance, which echoed the rectangular structures of the steel
that supported it. Traditional arches and post and lintel elements
were reduced to merely ornamentation, as steel became the primary
support. High speed, efficient elevators helped make the construction
of high-rise building more feasible. Luis Sullivan was one of
the earliest architects to use steel construction.
Some
of the characteristics of the 20th century architectures are:
steel frames, curtain walls (walls that carry no weight other
that its own), geometric lines, dramatic overhangs, continuous
windows of many shapes and sizes, and walls of glass, compatible
relationships between the structures and their locations, roofs
that are cantilevered (a roof which is a horizontal projection,
canopy or balcony), and flat surfaces. In the 20th century there
were many influential architects, one of the most visionary
being Louis Sullivan. The influence of architects LeCorbusier
and Venturi can also be seen throughout Clinton.
Carson
Pirie Scott
Department Store |
Luis
Henry Sullivan
The
Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed the center of the city and the
rebuilding process still was brought into use for the first
time. The architecture from 1890-1920 became known as the Chicago
Style. These early skyscrapers were between five and twenty
stories tall.
Luis
Sullivan was the one who pioneered these architects. It is said
that he invented the skyscraper. An underlying steel frame skeleton
made this greater height possible by allowing the exterior walls
of stone or brick to stretch like skin over the structural frame
of the building instead of actually supporting the walls of
the building as they had in the past. For this reason a greater
number of large windows could now be part of the outer wall
surface.of the earliest architects to use steel construction.
The simplicity of his buildings was the beginning of modern
architecture. This would be a development, which would quickly
influence the world. Many of his buildings have a grid-like
appearance. Also the exterior of his designs reflected the interior
of the building as well as the function. His credo was "form
follows function." He felt the design should express the building's
purpose. Sullivan rejected antique styles and called for new
ones. He is famous for his Carson Pirie Scott Department Store.
This building was made a Chicago landmark on November 5th 1970.
Nypro
Products - Union Street |
Clinton's
Bigelow Carpet Mills which date back to the early 1900's are
a great example this style. Many other mills in Clinton reflect
Sullivan's style and qualities as well. The emphasis is on verticality
with rectangular windows forming a horizontal grid. Bay windows
running the full height of the building, three-part windows
with a stationary central panel framed by narrow sashes. Sullivan's
influence in architecture can also be seen in the Nelson Street
apartments and Oxford Court. A heavy projecting cornice and
flat roof crowns the building. The wide band of intricate terra-cotta
ornament decorating the frieze distinguishes the style. Clinton's
Nypro building reflects Sullivan's style as well. The extensive
amount of windows and grid-like design, which are key factors
in Sullivan's work are displayed in this building.
Nelson
Street Apartments |
Oxford
Court Apartments - High Street |
|